Obituary of WILLIAM RUSSELL RITCHING

In Loving Memory WILLIAM RUSSELL RITCHING December 24, 1930 - December 11, 2013 William Russell Ritching "Bill" born in Gore Bay December 24, 1930 son of Russell G Ritching and Maud E (Chisholm) sister of Doris Fowler (Jim) predeceased. Bill was a special Uncle of Linda (Fowler) Hunter and husband Dave. Beloved Great Uncle to Kristin (Mike) and Dore; Great Great uncle of Gabe, Soren, Owen and Alana who treasure their time with Uncle Bill at Tobacco Lake. Bill was an accomplished Taxidermist, many of his mounts are at the ROM. He was also an avid bird watcher contributing to many local bird counts over the years. Bill loved animals, especially dogs. Bill was a surveyor for Public works Canada for over 25 years based in Toronto. He returned to Manitoulin in 1986 living between his home in Little Current and the family camp at Tobacco Lake. His frequent visits with his cousin Clive "Scott" Chisholm sparked a strong interest in family history. He developed strong computer skills and after completing the family history helped others research their families on line. He was active in genealogy until the spring of this year. Bill also had a green thumb and enjoyed the garden and had a profuse and admired begonia display at Tobacco Lake for many years. Bill was an enthusiastic angler and fisherman and enjoyed being in nature with many of his boyhood friends including Blake Smith (predeceased) and Harry Purvis as well as Linda's husband Dave. Bill was a fiercely proud Canadian who held Parliament in high esteem. He was quick to question politicians of any stripe who suggested arbitrary solutions that tipped the scales of justice in favour of an individual, business or special interest group. Political leaders received letters from Bill and many replied thanking him for the courage of his convictions. Bill was s deeply spiritual man, but at Bill's request there will be no visitation or funeral service; however there will be a celebration of Bill's life held during the summer 2014; date to be announced. Online condolences may be left at www.culginfuneralhome.ca Culgin Funeral Home - Gore Bay 705-282-2270